Documentaries on Educational Systems

Description: This film examines the American public education system, focusing on the lottery system for charter schools and the struggles of students and parents to secure a better education. It's a poignant look at the hope and despair surrounding educational opportunities in the U.S.

Fact: The title refers to the idea that children are waiting for a "superman" to save them from the failing education system. The documentary was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: This film challenges the traditional education model by showcasing a high school that has reimagined education to prepare students for the future, focusing on creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking over rote learning.

Fact: The documentary was inspired by the book "The Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton Christensen, which discusses disruptive innovation in business, paralleling it with education.

Description: This documentary follows the life of Mohammad Hussein, a young Afghan boy, as he navigates the challenges of education in post-Taliban Afghanistan, highlighting the broader issues of education in conflict zones.

Fact: The film was part of the POV series on PBS, which focuses on social issues through documentaries.

Description: Focuses on the lottery system used by charter schools in Harlem, New York, to select students, highlighting the intense competition for quality education and the broader implications for public education.

Fact: The film was directed by Madeleine Sackler, who also produced "Dangerous Acts Starring the Unstable Elements of Belarus."

Description: This film profiles four teachers in the U.S., exploring the realities of teaching, including the financial struggles, the passion for education, and the impact of policy on the profession.

Fact: The documentary was produced by the same team behind "Waiting for 'Superman'," continuing the conversation on education reform.

Description: This documentary explores Finland's education system, often cited as one of the best in the world, revealing the secrets behind its success, including teacher training, student autonomy, and less emphasis on standardized testing.

Fact: The film was produced by the same team behind "Two Million Minutes," another educational documentary. Finland's approach to education has inspired many educational reforms globally.

Description: Although not a traditional documentary, this French film offers a realistic portrayal of a year in the life of a teacher in a Parisian school, providing insights into the French educational system and the challenges of teaching in a multicultural environment.

Fact: The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2008, making it one of the few documentaries to achieve such an honor.

Description: This documentary critiques the impact of Western-style education on indigenous cultures, exploring how it often erodes traditional knowledge and lifestyles, and questions the universal applicability of modern education.

Fact: The film features interviews with educators, anthropologists, and indigenous people from various parts of the world, offering a broad perspective on the issue.

Description: This documentary follows two principals, one in Chicago and one in the Mississippi Delta, as they lead their schools through the challenges of urban education, showcasing leadership and community involvement.

Fact: It was produced by the same team that made "The Education of Mohammad Hussein," focusing on educational leadership.

Description: This British documentary series examines the UK's education system, focusing on different schools, teachers, and students, offering a comprehensive look at the state of education in the country.

Fact: The series was inspired by the famous quote from Tony Blair, "Education, education, education," emphasizing the importance of education in his political agenda.